Tuesday night marked the first time Earps failed to start a competitive game for her country since September 2022 and the competition for England's No.1 spot is heating up
When the teamsheets were distributed at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, few will have been surprised to see Sarina Wiegman ring the changes for England's clash with the Republic of Ireland.
ALSO READ: 'The epitome of a role model' - Man City captain Steph Houghton changed the women's game foreverShe is - as her two consecutive FIFA trophies attest to - the best in the world in her position, having only been anointed the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year a few short months ago. And yet, for the first time in almost three years, her selection for England does not appear to be a foregone conclusion.
"As we saw with Mary on Friday, she did an incredible job but I also think that Hannah is doing a great job for Chelsea. She's growing into competition with Mary so this is a moment for her to shine." Of course, the main battleground for the United goalkeeper to state her case will be in the Women's Super League . It is here where Hampton and current England third-choice Khiara Keating - who was forced to withdraw from this month's camp with a knee injury - currently have the edge over their elder stateswoman.
Earps is just behind her with six, though Hampton has the best clean sheet percentage out of the three, having registered five in just eight WSL matches. Still, when it comes to the ultimate intangibles such as the ability to keep a cool head under pressure and excel for England on the biggest stage, Earps remains peerless.
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